Despite the challenges faced by the Nigerian Army over the past 161 years, the Army has persevered and grown to be the 39th ranked country out of 145 countries assessed in the Global Firepower Index of 2024.
Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Taoreed Lagbaja said this today, 24th June 2024 at a press briefing heralding the series of activities marking the Nigerian Army Day Celebration (NADCEL) 2024 with the theme “Transforming the Nigerian Army: Imperative for Combating Contemporary Security Challenges within a Joint Environment”.
The COAS, ably represented by the Chief of Policy and Plans, (Army), Major General Abdulsalami Bagudu Ibrahim noted that NADCEL is a celebration of one of the greatest Armies in the world whose eventful history spans 161 years. Nigerian Army has also made significant contributions to national development and progress in several areas such as security, education, engineering, health, science, sports and many other spheres.
He added that it is due to these accomplishments NA always seize the opportunity presented by the period culminating into 6 July to celebrate and give glory to Almighty God. "As you may all know, the date; 6 July itself symbolically signifies the day in the Nigerian Civil War when the First Shot was fired in Nigerian Army’s quest to keep the nation united and indivisible. "
The Nigerian Army Day Celebration aims to showcase the Army as an instrument of national unity, integration, and development as well as highlight the achievements, capabilities and enduring reputation of the Nigerian Army and President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will grace the Grand Finale as the Special Guest of Honour.
The series of activities culminates into a Gala Nite at Gowon Hall, Crispan Hotel in Jos, Plateau State. Additionally, throughout the celebration period, there would be broadcasts of goodwill messages from our gallant troops in operational theatres across the Country on various television and radio stations.
Activities lined up for this year’s Celebration are in consonance with the Chief of Army Staff Command Philosophy of transforming the Nigerian Army into a well-trained, equipped and highly motivated force towards achieving its constitutional responsibility within a joint environment. Therefore, we want to put God first because we believe, as inscribed as our motto that victory is from God alone. Hence, special Jumma’at Prayers and Interdenominational Church Services would hold across all our formations and units on Friday 28th and Sunday 30th June respectively.
"On 3rd July, we shall have speaking engagement visits to at least one secondary school in each state of the Country and the Federal Capital Territory. The speaking engagement seeks to enlighten the young minds in the selected schools about their Army and promote patriotism and selfless service.
"This would be followed by the conduct of Free Medical Outreach and commissioning of quick impact projects within the host community to elicit their support and cooperation. The Nigerian Army Day Celebration 2024 special Lecture is scheduled to take place at Gowon Hall, Crispan Hotel, Jos on 4th July. The lecture would deliberate on topical issues affecting all aspects of the Nigerian Army’s transformation so that, going forward the Army can better meet its constitutional obligations.
"Award ceremony for the maiden Chief of Army Staff Literary Competitions which the Chief of Army Staff instituted this year would hold immediately after the celebration’s lecture. To further educate the public and put relevant issues in proper perspective, the Chief of Army Staff would have an interactive session with media executives immediately after the award ceremony.
"The events for Thursday 4th July would climax with the Veteran’s Happy Hour which promises to be an exciting and nostalgic reunion for retired and discharged Nigerian Army personnel. On Friday 5th July, serving and retired personnel as well as other Golf lovers would be treated to a Golf Tournament at Rhino Country Golf Club, Maxwell Khobe Cantonment, Jos.
"The crescendo for the Nigerian Army Day Celebration for this year is the Grand Finale that would hold at the 3 Division Physical Training Ground, Maxwell Khobe Cantonment on 6th July. This event involves a parade and the Chief of Army Staff Commendation Award as well as armament and equipment display and exhibitions on the historical transformation of the Nigerian Army and some research and development efforts of the Army including some of our partners.
It is a celebration of one of the greatest Armies in the world whose eventful history spans 161 years. This dates back to 1863 when Lieutenant Glover of the Royal Navy organised 18 indigenes of Northern Nigeria into a local force known as the “Glover Hausas”.
This local force went through several stages of growth and development evolving to the present Nigerian Army. Over the years, the Nigerian Army brings into the world played crucial roles in the defence of our country and the maintenance of peace and security. Therefore, the Nigerian Army Day Celebration provides an opportunity to celebrate the brave men and women who have served and continue to serve in our Army.
It is expedient to state that as the Nigerian Army evolved, it continually build capacity and modernised to effectively meet its responsibilities. The capabilities and doggedness of the Nigerian Army ensured its troops participated in the First and Second World War and numerous peacekeeping and peace support operations in different parts of the world.
The Nigerian Army also took active part in the unfortunate Nigerian Civil War, which ended with the slogan “No victor, no vanquish”; reuniting the country in 1970. Its heroic exploits in Peacekeeping especially in the last 2 decades are well acknowledged globally and particularly by the United Nations.
The effectiveness of the Nigerian Army in peacekeeping has resulted in several requests for its deployment in various troubled countries, and despite our security challenges, Nigeria submit to calls for increased participation of her troops in international peace efforts.
Nigerian Army under the leadership of Lt Gen TA Lagbaja the 23rd Chief of Army Staff will continue to conduct kinetic and non kinetic operations to ensure the quick resolution of our security challenges.
